Emil H. Roessler of Clayton passed away Friday, Oct. 14, 2011. He was the loving husband of his wife, Marcia, for more than 33 years and the cherished father of six children, Eric, Michael, Danielle, Dawn, Carol and Laura, and proud grandfather of four. He was born in Philadelphia and grew up in Philadelphia and Wildwood, N.J. Later he was employed by Laura’s Fudge for several years.

Emil attended St. Joseph Preparatory School then St Joseph’s University and was a member of the prestigious rowing team. He served in the U.S. Army, with Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 26th Infantry, Big Red One. He was awarded a Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He was honorably discharged, Dec. 12, 1955.

Emil earned his bachelor's degree in civil engineering technology from Thomas A. Edison State College; a certificate in supervisory management from Rutger’s University; and a certified public managers certificate from the Society of New Jersey. He was registered with the National Council of Engineering Examiners, the state of New Jersey and the state of Georgia and formerly licensed in Florida and Pennsylvania. He retired as project engineer of the New Jersey Department of Transportation in November 1996 after 25 years of service and after having presided over $247 million in state contracts. Previously, he served 14 plus years in the private sector, mostly as a structural design engineer credited with work on Chinook helicopter and F-14 Tomcat. He designed the heat shield for the lunar module that protected the astronauts. That work is still on the moon.

He composed, recorded and produced his music. His albums, "Bonfire" and "Walk With Me" received international airplay. He loved the arts, enjoyed travel, friends, family and helped anyone he could.

A service will begin at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Tallulah Falls United Methodist Church Cemetery, Rock Mountain Road in Tallulah Falls, GA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Compassionate Hospice of North Georgia, Atlanta Home Care Office, 1801 Peachtree St., suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30309.